Neelam Kothari Reflects on How 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives' Completely Transformed Her Life and Career

Neelam Kothari had no idea how much "Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives" would impact her life when she signed up for it. Viewers were able to get a glimpse into the opulent lives of four Bollywood wives, including Neelam, through the 2020 debut of the reality show. She can't help but be in awe of her trip when she looks back. 

 "I was actually hesitant to do the show at first," Neelam laughs. "It's funny." I asked myself, "Do I really want to let everyone see my life?" But my goodness, am I happy I leaped!"

In case you missed it, Neelam was a well-known Bollywood actress throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her roles in popular films included "Ilzaam," "Love 86," and "Ghar Ka Chirag." However, she removed herself from the spotlight to concentrate on her family and jewelry business after marrying actor Samir Soni in 2011.

 "I felt happy with my life," Neelam says. "I had my daughter, my husband, and my company. I believed that my time in front of the camera was up. However, "Fabulous Lives" altered everything."

Neelam was surprised to find that people enjoyed seeing her on film again after the show brought her back into the spotlight. She remarks, "The response was overwhelming," her eyes aglow with surprise. "Abruptly, I started receiving messages from both new and old fans. They expressed their happiness at having me back on their televisions and how much they missed me."

Neelam received an unexpected confidence boost from this show of love and support. "It made me realize that I still had so much to offer as a performer," she recalls. "It reignited a passion in me that I thought had faded away." 

 In addition to putting Neelam back in the public eye, the show gave her access to new possibilities. "After 'Fabulous Lives' aired, I started getting offers for acting roles again," she said. "Is it real, or what? Following all these years!"

Casting a part in the web series "Made in Heaven" was one of these changes. Neelam's resurgence in the entertainment world was further cemented by the positive reception she received for her performance in the show.

 However, she experienced a transformation beyond her career. Neelam's personal life was also very much impacted by the show. "Being on 'Fabulous Lives' made me more comfortable in my skin," she said. "In the past, I was very reticent and constantly concerned about what others would say. But the program helped me accept my imperfections and learn to love who I am."

 Her relationships have also been affected by this increased self-assurance. "I feel like I've become a better friend, a better wife, a better mother," Neelam asserts. I've become more receptive and eager to express my emotions. As though the performance allowed me to be who I truly am."

A somewhat surprising result of the show was the friendship that Neelam developed with her co-stars, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, and Seema Khan. "We were acquainted before the show, but it brought us closer," Neelam says. These days, I consider these women to be sisters. We have bonded over countless laughs and tears. I shall always value our friendship."

 Neelam is enthusiastic about what is ahead in the future. She smiles and says, "I feel like I'm entering a new phase of my life." "I'm more than simply Neelam the jewellery designer or actress these days. I embody all those qualities and more. I can't wait to investigate new possibilities and take on fresh tasks."

Neelam pauses as we are about to end the conversation to consider her travels. "If you were to have assured me a few years ago that I'd be back in the spotlight, feeling more assured and alive than ever, I probably wouldn't have believed you," she continues. "Yet here I am. And "Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives" is all the credit for that."

After pausing, she smiles and continues, "You know, they say life begins at forty. For me, turning 50 seemed like a wonderful second chance at life. I'm enjoying every second of it, too!"

The poignant lesson of Neelam's narrative is that a second act is never too late. Life has a way of shocking us, whether we're Bollywood stars or just regular folks. And occasionally, all it takes to totally change your life is the bravery to say "yes" to an unforeseen chance.

Keep amazing, keep loyal to who you are, and who knows? as Neelam would say. It could be that your next great journey is only around the corner."